Damen begins work on first of two OPVs for Pakistan Navy

A computer-generated image of the OPVs being built by Damen Shipyards for the Pakistan Navy. Source: Pakistan Navy

Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards has begun work on the first of two 1,900 tonne multipurpose offshore patrol vessels (OPVs) for the Pakistan Navy (PN).

An article published in the April issue of the PN’s Navy News magazine revealed that a steel-cutting ceremony for the first ship was held at Damen’s shipyard in Galati, Romania, where the second ship will also be built.

Images have also emerged of a keel-laying ceremony recently held at the same yard showing that the vessel class is being designated the OPV 1900. The ceremony was attended by PN Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff (Projects), Rear Admiral Farrokh Ahmad.

The contract for the OPVs was signed in June 2017.

The 90 m-long vessels will have a full-load displacement of about 1,900 tonnes, and a top speed of 22 kt. The OPVs have been described by the PN as “state-of-the-art vessels” especially suited for anti-surface, anti-air, and maritime security operations.

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